Carib Scope

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  • COMMENTARY: The quiet guardians of Caribbean integration – A salute to Warren Smith

    COMMENTARY: The quiet guardians of Caribbean integration – A salute to Warren Smith

    The Caribbean community mourns the passing of distinguished Jamaican economist Dr. William Warren Smith, who died on January 30, 2026. Dr. Smith’s remarkable career spanned leadership roles at LIAT (Leeward Islands Air Transport) and culminated in his presidency at the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), where he established himself as a pivotal figure in regional advancement.

    Colleagues and journalists remember Dr. Smith as embodying a rare breed of Caribbean public servant—one who approached complex development challenges with grace, intellectual clarity, and unwavering respect for all stakeholders. His communication style demystified intricate economic matters without condescension, treating media professionals as collaborative partners rather than adversaries in the narrative of Caribbean progress.

    This tradition of servant leadership, which Dr. Smith exemplified, traces back to the 1940s integration movement. These technical architects of regional cooperation typically operated behind the scenes, making consequential decisions that stabilized economies, preserved vital transport networks, financed critical infrastructure, and fortified Caribbean societies against external shocks. Their work, though seldom celebrated publicly, fundamentally shaped livelihoods across the region.

    The hallmark of this leadership paradigm includes profound respect regardless of status, generous knowledge sharing, brutal yet tactful honesty, and unwavering commitment to marginalized communities. These officials frequently absorbed unfair criticism to protect their institutions and missions, prioritizing organizational integrity over personal recognition.

    During Dr. Smith’s tenure at LIAT, he navigated the highly scrutinized regional aviation sector with measured competence. Later at CDB, he balanced complex development financing with patient, long-term strategic thinking. Throughout both roles, he demonstrated that transparent communication and respectful engagement strengthen rather than diminish leadership effectiveness.

    His passing invites reflection on the numerous unsung professionals continuing this tradition within regional institutions. Their collective legacy remains essential to the Caribbean project’s resilience amid contemporary challenges and increased global scrutiny. Dr. Smith’s life reminds current leaders that sustainable development intertwines technical proficiency with meaningful public engagement.

  • PCP plans lower pension age for public, higher threshold for MPs

    PCP plans lower pension age for public, higher threshold for MPs

    In a significant policy announcement, New National Party leader Kemar Stuart has unveiled the People’s Coalition for Progress (PCP) plan to radically reform Barbados’ retirement system and tax structure. Speaking at a Saturday night rally in Baxter’s Road, Stuart declared the coalition’s intention to reverse pension age requirements by lowering the eligibility threshold for citizens while increasing it for parliamentarians.

    The proposed legislation would raise the pension age for Members of Parliament from 50 to 57 years, while simultaneously reducing the retirement age for the general public to 62. Stuart characterized this as a fundamental rebalancing toward equitable retirement policies. ‘We will be increasing the politician’s pension age from 50 to 57 as our first order of business,’ Stuart told supporters. ‘Meanwhile, we will be lowering the people’s age to 62 to ensure ordinary Barbadians enjoy the benefits of their National Insurance Scheme contributions.’

    The PCP leader sharply criticized current government policies that he claimed were pushing retirement ages toward 70-72 years, emphasizing his party’s commitment to allowing citizens to ‘enjoy your retirement, your life, your hard work.’ Stuart invoked the principle of fairness with the declaration: ‘If it’s good for the goose, it’s good for the gander.’

    In a related economic proposal, Stuart challenged Central Bank Governor Kevin Greenidge’s warnings against reducing the 17.5% Value Added Tax (VAT). Dismissing Greenidge’s concerns about economic stability as ‘a lie,’ Stuart revealed that VAT revenues between April and December 2025 reached $860 million, with projections exceeding $1 billion annually. He argued that a 2.5% reduction from an estimated $1.6 billion revenue pool—approximately $64 million yearly—would not adversely affect the national economy.

    Stuart positioned VAT reform as a cornerstone of the PCP’s economic agenda, asserting that the current revenue strength provides sufficient cushion for targeted tax relief aimed at addressing cost of living pressures faced by Barbadian citizens.

  • COMMENTARY: Human‑centered intelligence – A new blueprint for Caribbean development

    COMMENTARY: Human‑centered intelligence – A new blueprint for Caribbean development

    The Caribbean region stands at a technological crossroads where artificial intelligence converges with behavioral psychology to create a revolutionary development framework. This innovative approach, termed the Caribbean Human-Centered Intelligence Framework, represents a paradigm shift from traditional technology implementation by prioritizing human behavior patterns over algorithmic assumptions.

    Across three critical sectors—governance, tourism, and air transportation—this methodology harnesses AI’s predictive capabilities alongside psychological insights to address region-specific challenges. In governance, the integration enables predictive service design that identifies citizen frustration points and community needs before they escalate. By testing policies through behavioral lenses before implementation, governments can craft culturally resonant communications that bypass bureaucratic barriers.

    Tourism, the Caribbean’s economic cornerstone, undergoes transformation through emotion-driven experience design. AI analytics map traveler preferences and inspiration triggers while behavioral science deciphers why authenticity commands premium value and how diaspora visitors respond to cultural cues. This synergy allows destinations to craft scarcity-based marketing strategies that resonate with psychological booking triggers.

    Aviation infrastructure benefits from passenger-centered optimization where AI analyzes travel patterns and stress points while psychology explains why reliability often outweighs price considerations for Caribbean travelers. Cultural elements like first-flight ceremonies receive scientific validation as loyalty-building mechanisms within the framework.

    The framework’s ultimate power emerges through cross-sector integration, enabling unprecedented regional connectivity. By unifying governmental, tourism, and aviation data streams, the system can predict visitor flows with precision, strengthening route viability and economic sustainability. This represents not merely technological modernization but a fundamental reimagining of Caribbean development—where data serves culture, technology adapts to psychology, and growth aligns with human behavior patterns.

    This approach positions the Caribbean to lead in human-centered technological implementation, creating a development model that prioritizes regional identity while embracing global technological advancements.

  • Costa Ricanen naar de stembus

    Costa Ricanen naar de stembus

    Costa Ricans headed to the polls on Sunday for a pivotal general election that could determine the nation’s approach to escalating drug-related violence that has shattered its reputation as a peaceful tourist haven. Pre-election surveys positioned Laura Fernández of the Sovereign People’s Party (PPSO) as the clear frontrunner with just over 40% support, potentially securing an outright victory and avoiding an April 5 runoff.

    Fernández, protégé and former chief of staff to incumbent President Rodrigo Cháves, has campaigned on continuing her mentor’s hardline security policies and anti-establishment messaging. Her closest competitors in the 20-candidate field include centrist economist Alvaro Ramos, representing Costa Rica’s oldest political party, and progressive coalition candidate Claudia Dobles, a former first lady whose husband presided from 2018-2022. Both trail significantly in polls but remain potential contenders for a second round should Fernández fall short of the 40% threshold.

    The election occurs against a backdrop of record homicide rates and multiple corruption investigations that have tested public confidence. Despite these challenges, President Cháves maintains a 58% approval rating according to University of Costa Rica’s CIEP polls.

    Fernández has additionally requested voters grant her party 40 seats in the 57-seat legislative assembly, which would provide the supermajority needed to implement constitutional reforms. The current administration holds only eight seats and attributes legislative gridlock to this minority status.

    Approximately one-quarter of the 3.7 million eligible voters remain undecided, with the largest undecided bloc comprising young adults (18-34) from coastal provinces Guanacaste, Puntarenas, and Limón—regions hardest hit by drug violence.

    Polls opened at 6:00 AM local time and closed at 6:00 PM, with initial results expected before midnight. Although consecutive reelection is prohibited in Costa Rica, Fernández has pledged to include Cháves in her administration, positioning her candidacy as continuity of his populist mandate.

  • Jacmel community mourns death of 10-year-old Amelia Isidore

    Jacmel community mourns death of 10-year-old Amelia Isidore

    The tranquil community of Bois d’Inde in Jacmel has been plunged into profound mourning following the tragic death of 10-year-old Amelia Isidore, who succumbed to a medical emergency during a routine Physical Education class at her school earlier this week.

    According to preliminary reports, the young student experienced a sudden health crisis while participating in regular school activities, prompting immediate intervention from school personnel. Despite rapid transportation to a medical facility where emergency teams administered extensive lifesaving measures, Isidore could not be revived.

    The devastating incident has triggered an outpouring of grief throughout the close-knit community and drawn an official response from Saint Lucia’s Minister for Education, Kenson Casimir. In a carefully worded statement shared via social media, Minister Casimir expressed profound sorrow while emphasizing the need for cautious deliberation pending formal investigations.

    “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Amelia Isidore, a young scholar at Roseau Combined School,” Casimir stated. “As the details surrounding this tragedy remain subject to verification, the ministry will await conclusive findings from both medical and legal authorities before making definitive pronouncements.”

    The Education Minister extended spiritual condolences to the bereaved family, classmates, educators, and all affected by the loss, invoking divine comfort during this period of unimaginable grief. Community members have similarly mobilized support networks, with one resident noting the particular poignancy of losing someone so young amidst recent community losses.

    Isidore, remembered by those who knew her as exceptionally kind, joyful, and affectionate, attended Roseau Combined School where she had built meaningful relationships with staff and peers alike. The school administration has reportedly implemented counseling services to help students and faculty process the traumatic event.

  • Attorney Explains Why Defendants Often Plead Not Guilty Even When Guilty

    Attorney Explains Why Defendants Often Plead Not Guilty Even When Guilty

    Legal expert Warren Cassell has clarified the constitutional foundation behind a fundamental yet often misunderstood aspect of criminal defense: the practice of attorneys advising clients to plead not guilty even when they have privately admitted to an offense. This strategy, frequently perplexing to the public, is not an attempt to circumvent justice but is deeply rooted in the core principles of constitutional law.

    Cassell, an attorney-at-law, emphasized the critical role of Section 15(2)(a) of the Antigua and Barbuda Constitution, which enshrines the presumption of innocence—a guarantee that an individual is considered innocent until the state proves their guilt conclusively. He noted that this foundational right is mirrored in legal frameworks across the Caribbean region, including Montserrat’s Constitution Order.

    The cornerstone of this practice lies in the distribution of the burden of proof. In criminal proceedings, the entire onus rests on the prosecution to establish each element of the alleged crime beyond a reasonable doubt. A defendant is under no legal obligation to prove their innocence. By entering a not guilty plea, a defendant compels the state to meet this rigorous evidential standard, serving as a crucial safeguard against convictions based on weak, flawed, or insufficient evidence.

    Cassell further elaborated that a guilty plea effectively serves as an admission to all charges, eliminating the prosecution’s duty to prove its case and immediately exposing the defendant to the full maximum penalties. Conversely, maintaining a not guilty plea preserves all of an accused person’s constitutional rights and provides essential time for their legal counsel to engage in negotiations with prosecutors. This period can be used to secure more favorable outcomes, such as a reduction in charges or an agreement on a lighter sentence, through plea bargaining.

    To promote greater public understanding of these legal rights and criminal procedures, Cassell announced plans to delve deeper into the subject in an upcoming season of his program, *This Is the Law*. The show is scheduled to broadcast on Observer Radio and ZDK in February 2026.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Holistic Coalition awarded Mill Reef Fund grant for youth mental health programme

    Antigua and Barbuda Holistic Coalition awarded Mill Reef Fund grant for youth mental health programme

    ST. JOHN’S, Antigua — A significant advancement in youth mental health support is underway in Antigua and Barbuda following a substantial grant allocation. The Mill Reef Fund has awarded financial backing to the Antigua and Barbuda Holistic Coalition (ABHC), empowering its Youth Mental Health and Holistic Wellness Access Programme scheduled for 2026.

    This infusion of capital is designated to broaden the availability of crucial mental health resources for the nation’s youth and their families. The initiative encompasses a multi-faceted strategy, including professional counselling services, psychological assessments, and specialized emotional-literacy development programmes. A core component also involves educational workshops designed for parents to better support their children’s mental wellbeing.

    The programme’s architecture focuses on a dual approach: enhancing early intervention mechanisms for children and adolescents while concurrently reinforcing family-centric methodologies for sustaining mental wellness. Beyond immediate services, the grant will underwrite mental health scholarships for young individuals, further amplifying long-term access to professional care.

    ABHC officials have publicly acknowledged the Mill Reef Fund for its strategic investment in the community’s future, highlighting the critical importance of prioritizing mental and emotional health from an early age. The Coalition indicated that further details and ancillary announcements regarding the programme’s rollout are anticipated in the upcoming months.

  • Youth Ambassador Launches Agriculture Initiative with Girl Guides

    Youth Ambassador Launches Agriculture Initiative with Girl Guides

    ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – A groundbreaking agricultural initiative targeting youth engagement has been inaugurated by National Youth Ambassador Shacia A. in collaboration with the 10th Antigua Girl Guides. The program, titled ‘Plant the Seed, Grow the Future,’ employs mentorship and experiential learning methodologies to reconnect young generations with agricultural practices.

    The innovative scheme positions agriculture as a dynamic field intersecting with science, technology, and innovation sectors. Beyond basic food production, the curriculum emphasizes agriculture’s critical role in sustainable development frameworks. Participants recently engaged in hands-on activities including succulent planting ceremonies, symbolizing youth’s capacity to cultivate sustainable community futures.

    Program architects have strategically designed the initiative to bridge traditional farming techniques with contemporary technological approaches. Core values being instilled include environmental stewardship, patience cultivation, and disciplined leadership development.

    The Ambassador confirmed the program’s alignment with Antigua and Barbuda’s National Youth Policy priorities on environmental sustainability. Additionally, it directly supports multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Life Below Water (SDG 14), and Life on Land (SDG 15).

    Organizers characterize ‘Plant the Seed, Grow the Future’ as a longitudinal commitment to youth empowerment through agricultural channels, anticipating measurable impacts on both personal development and national sustainability indices.

  • HAPI Expands to Working on Multiple Homes at Once

    HAPI Expands to Working on Multiple Homes at Once

    The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has significantly scaled up its Home Assistance Program for the Indigent (HAPI) with a strategic expansion into Briggs Village, transitioning from individual home repairs to multi-household projects. This operational shift aims to dramatically accelerate the pace of home restoration and repairs for vulnerable communities, enabling simultaneous assistance to numerous families rather than proceeding through a sequential, single-home approach.

    This scaled initiative has been made possible through an unprecedented inter-agency collaboration. Key government figures including Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Housing Minister Rawdon Turner, Cabinet Senator Michael N. Freeland, and officials from the Social Protection Board have provided foundational support. Notably, the program has also incorporated contributions from the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force, coordinated by Chief of Defence Staff Telbert Benjamin, and Her Majesty’s Prison, where participating inmates are involved in rehabilitation-focused community service.

    HAPI’s core mission focuses on critical repairs and improvements to residences of indigent and at-risk citizens, transforming living conditions while serving as a national model for efficient social assistance. Government authorities emphasize that this coordinated partnership framework demonstrates how multi-sector cooperation can rapidly amplify the impact of welfare programs. With the successful Briggs Village rollout serving as a blueprint, officials confirm that similar multi-home projects are being planned for additional communities as HAPI continues its nationwide implementation across Antigua and Barbuda.

  • Guyanese activist and co-founder of leading Black publishing houses in Britain dies

    Guyanese activist and co-founder of leading Black publishing houses in Britain dies

    Eric Huntley, the Guyanese-born co-founder of Britain’s seminal black publishing house Bogle L’Ouverture and a lifelong campaigner for racial equality, has passed away at age 96. Alongside his wife Jessica, Huntley established the radical publishing venture in 1968 from their West London living room, creating a crucial platform for underrepresented black authors and intellectuals.

    The publishing house, named after Jamaican national hero Paul Bogle and Haitian revolutionary Toussaint L’Ouverture, rapidly evolved from a makeshift printing operation into both a respected publishing imprint and community hub. The Huntleys’ Ealing-based bookshop became an informal advice center and gathering place for London’s black community, championing writers including Linton Kwesi Johnson, Valerie Bloom, and Beryl Gilroy.

    Beyond publishing, Huntley dedicated decades to racial justice activism. He played instrumental roles in the Caribbean Education and Community Workers Association and the Black Parents Movement, organizations formed to combat systemic racism in education and policing. His activism extended to organizing the 1981 Black People’s Day of Action following the New Cross fire tragedy that claimed 14 young black lives.

    Born in 1929 Georgetown, British Guiana, Huntley’s political consciousness developed early through his involvement with the People’s Progressive Party and Marxist leaders Cheddi and Janet Jagan. His activism led to imprisonment in 1954 for curfew violation during British colonial rule’s state of emergency.

    Seeking stability, Huntley migrated to Britain in 1957, working as a postal sorter while saving to bring his family from Guyana. The couple’s publishing venture began distributing speeches by influential Guyanese scholar Walter Rodney, growing into a respected imprint that published groundbreaking works despite repeated racist attacks during the National Front’s peak influence.

    The Huntleys’ archives now reside at London Metropolitan Archives, preserving their legacy of cultural activism. Eric Huntley continued community advocacy into his tenth decade, maintaining that ‘the struggle never ends.’ He is survived by two children, nine grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren.